Resurreccion Lopez Espiritu

Resurreccion "Ching" L. Espiritu of San Diego, California passed away on June 14, 2026 at the age of 93. She was born on April 20, 1933 in Parañaque (Manila), Philippines. She married Manuel L. Espiritu (US Navy) in 1955 and emigrated to the United States. They were stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois, where they had their son Michael in 1956. They relocated to Omaha, Nebraska where they had their daughter Maureen in 1958 and their daughter Molly in 1959. In early 1960, they moved to San Diego where they had their youngest daughter, Mitzi in 1961. They spent three years in Sasebo, Japan from 1964–1967, then returned to their home in South San Diego. In 1977, they relocated to Rancho Peñasquitos where they resided until 2021.

Ching was preceded in death by her parents Eulogio Lopez Deleon and Zoila Aquino, her sisters Lagrimas "Nitang" Lopez Deleon and Lourdes "Nena" Lopez Deleon San Agustin, her son Michael D. Espiritu, her daughter Maureen E. Stenstrom, and her husband of 66 years, Manuel L. Espiritu.

She is survived by her daughters Molly Margallo (Jay) and Mitzi Wiseman (Karl), her daughter-in-law Lisa Espiritu, her son-in-law Jeff Stenstrom, and nine grandchildren — Kevin, Bryan (Kimberly), Jon (Kathleen), Chelsea, Jordan, Taylor, Elyssa (Eddie), Lauren, and Jaclyn (Jeremy). She is also the proud great-grandmother of four — Cove Stenstrom, Olive Espiritu, Ever Stenstrom, and Emmanuel Beckerman. She is also survived by her nieces Johanna Mae San Agustin and Marilou Claire Noriel.

Ching (as she was known by her friends) was a devout Catholic and remained steadfast in her faith in God throughout her life. Her priorities were her faith, her husband, and her family. She was a strict disciplinarian that taught her children to respect their elders, to be grateful for what they were given, to be honest, forthright, and determined in everything they did. These values became the foundation that held each of them accountable to pursue their dreams. Ching was a beloved grandmother who not only helped to take care of her grandchildren, but more importantly nurtured relationships with each of them and truly came to understand their individual personalities and what made them tick.

She gave her love unconditionally and used the endearing term "BAE" (before anyone else) for those she loved. Ching was a straight shooter, telling you exactly what she thought, even if you didn't want to hear it. She had a great sense of humor and was described as being funny with a straight face, always making you laugh. She remembered any kindness that was ever shown to her, often talking about the kind gestures made to her throughout her life. Ching had a gift for making friends easily. She nurtured those relationships with regular communications, written notes, and phone calls. Her lifelong friendships were a testament to her love and care. She loved this country and became a US Citizen in the early '60s, considering it an honor and a privilege. One of her favorite songs was "America the Beautiful," which always brought her to tears. Ching suffered immeasurable loss and grief in her lifetime, yet she never felt sorry for herself nor languished in self-pity. Her strength and perseverance were admirable. If you asked Ching what her greatest accomplishment was, she would say without hesitation: "my family" — whom she loved ever so dearly.

The family would like to thank Erika Salas and Tylani Sahmara Gossett for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 858-484-1070.

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Services

Vigil (Visitation, Viewing, Rosary, and Tributes): Thursday, June 25th from 4:00–8:00 pm, El Camino Mortuary Chapel — 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121

Funeral Mass: Friday, June 26th at 10:30 am, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church — 13541 Stoney Creek Road, San Diego, CA 92129

Reception: Friday, June 26th at 12:00 pm, Knotty Barrel Restaurant — 13211 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129 (located in the Rancho Peñasquitos Shopping Center)

Rite of Committal: Monday, June 29th at 10:45–11:45 am, Miramar National Cemetery — 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122

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